Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; (Rev 1:19 KJV)
The book of Revelation has three distinct sections: past, present, and future. The key that shows these sections is Revelation 1:19, which provides a simple outline of the book and a pattern of interpretation.
Simple Outline
1. The things which thou hast seen (past)
a .Introduction (1:1-3)
b. Vision of Jesus (1:4-20)
2. The things which are (present)
a. The seven Churches (chapters 2 and 3)
3. The things which shall be hereafter (future)
a. The Rapture of the Church and vision of Heaven (chapters 4 and 5)
b. The seven year Tribulation – seals, trumpets, vials, the Antichrist, destruction of Babylon (chapters 6 – 18)
c. The Second Coming of Jesus (chapter 19)
d. Satan bound, Millennium Kingdom, final judgment (chapter 20)
e. New Jerusalem